Hotel du vin

Thames Street, Poole BH15 1JN.

We've been here a couple of times now and have really enjoyed the food and service.

On our wedding anniversary we went for lunch and had a leisurely couple of hours there and on over hearing what we were celebrating they brought some chocolates and two glasses of rose Cava at the end of our meal, and sat out in the courtyard area.

Steak tartare, this was a little different to when we had it in the Harrogate hotel. A bit too much meat on this occasion.

Sardines

Roast cod.

Another time we took advantage of a special offer they had where you could stay overnight from £20 per room. That was for the basic room but as a treat we went for the largest room that had a balcony, the biggest bed I have ever seen, huge shower room and two, yes his and hers, roll top baths.

This is the Dom Perignon room.

For dinner that night I ordered the bavette steak. I have heard/read that it was a particular French cut not usually found on the English menu but I wanted to try. When I asked for it, the restaurant manager came across and asked if i have had it before and then explained that it wasn't as tender as the normal cuts, probably second guessing those that might order and then complain about it. He said it comes pink and was slightly apologetic about it all.

Yes, when the steak came, it was more of a chew but a nice flavour. To be honest though, I have subsequently bought bavette steaks from Waitrose, cooked them medium rare, rested them well and they were fantastic.